1987 Constitution for Philippine Politics

1987 Constitution

1. Imagine we are starting a new country right now inside this classroom. But wait—this country has no rules, no leaders, no rights. What do you think will happen?

2. create 3–5 basic rules or rights they think every student in this ‘new country’ should have (e.g., right to speak, respect, fairness, order).

3. 1987 Constitution

4. What you just did is similar to what our country did after the 1986 People Power Revolution. The Philippines needed a new set of rules, rights, and principles to guide the nation. That’s why the 1987 Constitution was written

5. Why do you think it is important for a country—or even our classroom—to have a constitution or set of rules?

6. Articles of the 1987 Philippine Constitution

7. Historical Context After the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, the 1973 Constitution (Martial Law era) was abolished. A Constitutional Commission (headed by Cecilia Muñoz-Palma) was formed to draft a new Constitution. Ratified by the Filipino people in a plebiscite on February 2, 1987 .

8. Key Features of the 1987 Constitution Preamble – expresses aspirations of the Filipino people. Bill of Rights – protects individual freedoms. Three Branches of Government – Executive, Legislative, Judicial (separation of powers). Checks and Balances – prevents abuse of power. Accountability of Public Officials – promotes transparency and good governance. Sovereignty resides in the people – democracy and participation.

9. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/1987-constitution/

10. Article I – National Territory Defines the Philippine territory, including land, water, airspace, and other areas the country has sovereignty over.

11. Article II – Declaration of Principles and State Policies Lists the guiding principles of the Philippines such as democracy, peace, justice, human rights, and independence.

12. Article III – Bill of Rights Protects the basic rights and freedoms of every Filipino (e.g., freedom of speech, right to due process, right to life and liberty).

13. Article IV – Citizenship Explains who are considered Filipino citizens and how citizenship can be gained or lost.

14. Article V – Suffrage Gives Filipinos the right to vote and outlines who can participate in elections.

15. Article VI – Legislative Department Describes the powers and structure of Congress (Senate and House of Representatives) that makes the laws.

16. Article VII – Executive Department Defines the role of the President (and Vice President) as head of state and government, responsible for enforcing laws.

17. Article VIII – Judicial Department Establishes the Supreme Court and other courts that interpret the law and protect rights.

18. Article IX – Constitutional Commissions Creates independent bodies: A. Civil Service Commission – ensures government workers are competent and honest. B. Commission on Elections (COMELEC) – ensures free and fair elections. C. Commission on Audit (COA) – checks government spending.

19. Article X – Local Government Gives power and responsibility to local governments (provinces, cities, municipalities, barangays).

20. Article XI – Accountability of Public Officers States that public officials must serve with integrity and can be removed if corrupt or abusive.

21. Article XII – National Economy and Patrimony Provides guidelines for managing the country’s resources, industries, and economy for the benefit of Filipinos.

22. Article XIII – Social Justice and Human Rights Promotes equality, social services, labor rights, and protection for the poor and marginalized.

23. Article XIV – Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture, and Sports Ensures the right to education and the promotion of science, culture, and sports.

24. Article XV – The Family Recognizes the family as the basic unit of society and protects marriage and family rights.

25. Article XVI – General Provisions Covers various matters like the national flag, armed forces, and mass media regulations.

26. Article XVII – Amendments or Revisions Explains how the Constitution can be changed or updated.

27. Article XVIII – Transitory Provisions Contains rules to help transition from the old Constitution (1973) to the new one (1987).

28. Historical Context After the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, the 1973 Constitution (Martial Law era) was abolished. A Constitutional Commission (headed by Cecilia Muñoz-Palma) was formed to draft a new Constitution. Ratified by the Filipino people in a plebiscite on February 2, 1987 .